Can Depression Cause Eating Disorders? Link Between Eating Disorders & Depression
Can depression cause eating disorders? The relationship between these two types of conditions is complex. Depression and eating disorders often coexist, which can affect mental health in various ways. While not all individuals with eating disorders have depression, research suggests that people with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa tend to have increased rates of depressive symptoms.
Here, we’ll explore the intricate relationship between these conditions, examining how they intersect and influence each other. We will also examine a few of the many types of eating disorders, their connection to depressive disorders, and potential treatment and recovery approaches for both types of conditions.
Understanding the connection between mental health and eating disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health challenges that extend beyond mere eating habits, profoundly affecting an individual's relationship with food and body image. These disorders can impact every aspect of a person's life and well-being, manifesting as persistent disruptions to cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and behavioral patterns. It can affect the individual physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Frequently, eating disorders co-occur with other psychological conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complicating treatment approaches and often significantly affecting daily activities and well-being. An eating disorder may affect an individual differently, which is why it's important to seek professional help and receive appropriate treatment for a potentially faster recovery.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
The interplay between mental health and eating behaviors
Depression and other mental health challenges often influence or affect eating patterns in multiple ways. For example, individuals experiencing mood disorders like depression may find their motivation and energy depleted, which can hinder their ability to maintain consistent eating routines or prepare balanced meals. On the other hand, individuals with low self-esteem and anxiety may be affected differently. Anxiety and poor self-esteem may affect an individual by encouraging them to overeat due to stress. This can result in irregular eating patterns, skipped meals, or an increased reliance on convenience foods, potentially leading to disordered eating behaviors that can affect their overall well-being.
Is there a connection between depression symptoms and eating disorders?
Depression can significantly alter a person's interactions with food. Major depressive disorder often affects appetite, leading some individuals to overeat while others lose interest in meals entirely. These fluctuations may exacerbate existing eating disorders or contribute to the development of new ones, including depression-linked bulimia nervosa.
The role of depression symptoms in the development of eating disorders: Can depression cause eating disorders?
Yes, depression may cause eating disorders. The loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may lead some individuals to focus excessively on food, weight, and body shape as a new source of control or accomplishment. The fatigue and difficulty concentrating associated with depression can make it challenging to maintain regular, balanced eating habits, potentially leading to restrictive or binge-eating patterns. Feelings of worthlessness, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem may also increase the risk of a person getting an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Once eating disorder behaviors are established, untreated depressive symptoms can serve to maintain and intensify these patterns. The persistent depressed mood and thought patterns associated with depression can reinforce the rigid rules and behaviors characteristic of eating disorders. This is where it's essential to seek professional help to prevent these behaviors from worsening. With the help of a mental health professional, behavior and emotion regulation can be taught to combat feelings of depression, anxiety, negative self-esteem, and more, potentially helping individuals achieve a faster recovery.
Binge eating disorder and its link to depression
Binge eating disorder (BED) manifests as recurring incidents of consuming substantial quantities of food within brief timeframes. Adolescents and adults with this condition may display binge-eating disorder symptoms such as consuming large amounts of food within a short period, eating even when not hungry, dieting without losing weight, eating alone or in secret, and feeling depressed and ashamed about eating. Individuals experiencing BED often report a sense of diminished control and emotional distress during these episodes.
Binge eating disorder as a response to emotional distress
Research studies suggest a possible link between BED and depression, with some individuals utilizing binge eating and other eating disorder behaviors as a coping mechanism or emotion regulation strategy for managing challenging emotions and stressful situations. People living with depression might use binge eating as a way to briefly soothe themselves or escape emotional pain. Depression, along with anxiety, may affect any person differently, and binge eating can be one coping mechanism or emotion regulation strategy for it. Eating excessive amounts of food may offer temporary comfort or distraction, helping individuals avoid dealing with the difficult thoughts and emotions associated with depression.
Anorexia nervosa and its connection to depression
Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness that tends to manifest as behaviors related to strict limits on eating. Individuals with anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and see their bodies differently than they actually are. When depression occurs alongside anorexia, it can worsen the eating disorder’s symptoms and make them more challenging to overcome.
Symptoms of anorexia nervosa influenced by depression
Anorexia nervosa involves negative feelings about oneself and one's body. Patients with this condition may also display signs of low self-esteem, which can affect their body satisfaction. When a person also has depression, these feelings can become more intense. The persistent low mood and negative thinking patterns of depression might make a person more convinced that their worth is tied to their weight and appearance. These feelings could cause them to restrict their eating even more. Adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa may display purging behaviors followed by elimination in the form of vomiting or laxatives.
The psychological mechanisms of anorexia nervosa often intersect with those of mood disorders like depression. Both conditions can involve feelings of worthlessness, perfectionism, and a need for control, which can manifest as rigid eating behaviors and an intense focus on weight and shape.
The often-cyclical relationship between depression and eating disorders
The relationship between depression and eating disorders is often cyclical, with symptoms of each condition potentially exacerbating the other. For example, eating disorders can cause various physical effects, such as nutritional inadequacies, electrolyte abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances. These biological changes often influence cognitive processes and mood stability, possibly resulting in elevated irritability, mood swings, and worsening of depressive symptoms.
Addressing the cyclical relationship between depression and eating disorders presents many challenges. The relationship between these conditions can lead to firmly established negative thinking and behavioral patterns, which many individuals struggle to identify and change on their own. It’s just one of the reasons why seeking treatment for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders can be so important.
Preventing the onset of eating disorders in individuals with depression
Recognizing and addressing depressive symptoms promptly can help prevent a person from using disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism. Early intervention often leads to better mental health outcomes, including reducing the risk of developing an eating disorder, which can potentially affect a person in the long run.
Mental health support for those showing signs of depression typically includes regular check-ins with a therapist, engagement in support groups, and the development of healthier coping mechanisms for a faster recovery. Increasing awareness of comorbid depression among healthcare providers, educators, and the general population can help in facilitating earlier detection and intervention.
Developing effective coping mechanisms, in particular, could potentially reduce the likelihood of developing an eating disorder among individuals with depression. Learning stress reduction methods, mindfulness exercises, and emotional regulation techniques may prove helpful. Focusing on self-care practices, including routine exercise, proper sleep, and well-balanced nutrition, could yield further positive effects.
Treatment approaches for co-occurring depression and eating disorders
An integrated approach to treating both eating disorders and depression is often required for those experiencing both types of conditions. This approach recognizes the complex relationship between these conditions and addresses them simultaneously rather than treating them as separate challenges.
A collaborative approach to care for conditions like these usually involves a team of diverse specialists. Teams of mental health providers, nutrition experts, and medical doctors can provide holistic treatment, simultaneously addressing psychological, nutritional, and physiological needs.
Treatment for depression and eating disorders frequently involves psychotherapy as a primary component. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly employed to assist patients in recognizing and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors linked to both mental disorders. Medication might also be integrated into the treatment approach for managing depressive symptoms in some cases.
Finding help for depression and eating disorders
Early recognition of both depression and eating disorder symptoms can lead to timely intervention, treatment, and recovery. Numerous resources and support systems are available for individuals living with depression and eating disorders, such as:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): offers education and resources for people living with mental health conditions
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): supports those affected by eating disorders and promotes awareness and prevention
- Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists specializing in treating depression and eating disorders
For more resources, individuals can refer to BetterHelp to learn about how these mental health conditions affect people, including signs and symptoms, current research, and treatments for recovery. They may also research online through other legitimate sources. There is a vast collection of research studies and medical reviews available online that can provide information about their concerns.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms early on
Early indicators of depression, bulimia nervosa, anorexia, and binge eating disorder often overlap, making it challenging to identify the co-occurrence of these conditions. That said, if you’re experiencing symptoms of any of these, seeking evaluation, diagnosis, and support from a licensed healthcare professional as soon as possible can be paramount for improving outcomes.
Some common signs and symptoms of depression and eating disorders in general that may indicate the need to seek help include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Preoccupation with food or body shape
- Restrictive eating behaviors
- Binge eating episodes
- Excessive exercise
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low self-esteem and negative body image
These symptoms may indicate the presence of depression, eating disorders, or both. It may also indicate other underlying mental health concerns such as anxiety, trauma, and more.
Online treatment for depression and eating disorders
For some people living with an eating disorder, in-person treatment will be required for a more efficient recovery, especially for severe symptoms. However, for early signs of eating disorders or for longer-term support with a condition like this, online therapy can be another option for receiving care.
For individuals managing depression and eating disorders, online therapy may offer notable potential advantages toward recovery. For one, the cost-effectiveness of virtual sessions as compared to in-person sessions can facilitate longer-term treatment, supporting the extended care often required for these complex conditions. Plus, the expanded pool of available therapists increases the chances of connecting with a professional who has specialized knowledge and experience in addressing both depression and disordered eating patterns.
A growing body of research indicates the potential effectiveness of online therapy for addressing a variety of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more. For example, research from 2022 suggests that online therapy may be an effective treatment for some symptoms of anorexia and that this approach toward recovery should be explored and studied further. Similar studies indicate the potential effectiveness of online therapy for depression symptoms in many cases.
Experiences with depression and eating disorders are unique to each individual. Seeking guidance from healthcare providers and taking advantage of convenient support options may help address these conditions. For many, a combination of professional care and community support is crucial for embarking on the path toward recovery and improved mental health.
Takeaway
What eating disorder is associated with the mental health condition of depression?
Of the eight feeding and eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), anorexia nervosa is thought to be one of the most frequently comorbid with depression. A possible reason for this may be more than one shared risk factor between both illnesses, such as a genetic predisposition, low self-esteem, maladaptive coping mechanisms for negative emotions, poor emotion regulation skills, and high levels of guilt and self-criticism. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include fear of gaining weight, excessive exercise, skewed body image, obsessive interest in calories and dieting, and low self-esteem. Adolescents with anorexia may also show binge-eating or purging behavior, such as self-induced vomiting and use of laxatives.
In addition to anorexia nervosa, research also suggests a link between depression and binge eating disorder. One research study in female adolescents and young adults suggests that high levels of anxiety and depression may lead to an eating disorder, such as binge eating disorder. In a 2010 systematic review about binge eating disorder and depression, the majority of the research studies examined showed an association between depression and binge eating disorder. However, more research is still required in the field of psychiatry, assessing the association of other eating disorders with depression among adolescents and adults.
Can depression cause eating disorders and can depression make you not eat?
Illnesses like anxiety and depression lead to appetite changes in many individuals. Someone with depression may experience reduced pleasure from eating, so they may consume less. Or, they may feel an increased desire to eat—sometimes to cope with negative feelings, low self-esteem, or skewed body image—which could lead to overeating. Frequent visits with your medical doctor or provider can help check for significant changes when it comes to body mass index. These changes may indicate early signs of depression and eating disorder symptoms, which may require early intervention for a faster recovery. Mental health professionals may help adolescents with depression and eating disorders by teaching emotion regulation, which can allow for effective treatment and recovery.
What percentage of people with depression have eating disorders?
A research study from 2022 suggests that depression and other mood disorders account for 54% of psychiatric comorbidities in those with eating disorders. This means that depression is one of the most common illnesses to co-occur with eating disorders. Individuals showing signs of depression and eating disorder symptoms may seek professional help to address their condition.
Can depression cause food addiction?
Depression can occur with eating disorders, including those associated with overeating, such as binge eating disorder. A 2023 research study suggests that out of all factors studied, depression had the strongest association with binge eating. The research study indicates that binge eating disorder is more common in women than in men, and that low self-esteem linked with body image is an established risk factor for developing binge eating disorder.
Why is it so hard to eat when depressed?
It can be difficult to eat when depressed because the symptoms of depression can affect one’s health, emotions, and behaviors. Various elements of executive and occupational functioning can be affected by common symptoms of depression. It’s also common for people with depression to experience changes in appetite, which can cause weight loss or weight gain. For those with depression who have trouble eating, research shows that it may be due to “hypoactivation of insular regions that support monitoring the body’s physiological state.”
Can anxiety symptoms lead to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder?
The factors that can lead a person to be diagnosed with an eating disorder are diverse and complex, and there’s no one cause of eating disorders that researchers have been able to isolate. That said, there are certain specific risk factors that appear to make a person more likely to develop this type of illness. Having a preexisting mental health condition, such as anxiety, is one risk factor. According to one older research study on the topic, around 65% of individuals with diagnosed eating disorders also have an anxiety disorder, “which tends to predate and to persist beyond remission of the eating disorder.” Past research confirmed that individuals with eating disorders have an elevated risk for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In one 2003 controlled research study, results showed that anxiety disorders are more frequent in subjects with eating disorders than in volunteers from the community. Findings like these have significant implications for the field of psychiatry, contributing more to the growing knowledge about eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Why don't I want to eat anymore?
There are many different reasons that a person may lose their appetite, which is something that can happen to male adolescents, female adolescents, teens, or adults of any gender. According to an article published by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, it’s possible for a person to lose their appetite due to various cancers, chronic kidney or liver disease, heart failure, HIV, and other serious illnesses. Psychological factors can also affect a person’s appetite, including depression, panic attacks, stress, grief, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
However, it’s also possible for a person to lose their appetite due to stress, anxiety, pregnancy, or as a reaction to trauma. People with certain eating disorders related to body dissatisfaction may also find that they don’t want to eat for fear of gaining weight. If you’re concerned about your loss of appetite, it’s generally recommended that you meet with your doctor.
Can depression cause extreme weight loss?
Depression has the potential to cause a person to lose pleasure in food or motivation to eat. In some cases, this can lead to extreme weight loss. Depression can also make a person more vulnerable to eating disorders that can affect the brain and body and cause dangerous weight loss. That’s why encouraging affected loved ones to seek treatment if they show signs of depression or an eating disorder can be paramount. Healthcare providers usually treat depression and eating disorders with therapy, a course of medication, and guidance on a patient’s path toward recovery. Medical care may also be required. In the field of psychiatry, there’s a wide variety of ongoing research being conducted to learn more about potential treatments for depression, eating disorders, and other health concerns like anxiety, trauma, and more.
How do I know if I'm depressed?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some common signs of depression include:
- Low mood
- Feeling empty or hopeless
- Feelings of anger, frustration, and irritability
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Low self-esteem
If you suspect you may be experiencing depression, it's recommended that you meet with a mental health care professional for diagnosis and treatment. Mental health professionals can assess your core symptoms, determine root causes, and recommend research-based ways to address your concerns. Addressing your condition early on is crucial to avoid increasing your risk of getting other disorders related to it. Professional support is often vital for treatment and recovery. It can also prevent other concerns from arising, which may also affect your well-being.
How do eating disorders start?
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, early warning signs of an eating disorder can include things like:
- Low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, or speaking negatively about one's own body
- Showing an obsessive interest in calorie counting
- Frequently eating in secret
- Mood swings or sudden changes in emotions
- Social withdrawal from friends and family
- Extreme concerns with body image, size, and shape
If you believe you may be showing signs of an eating disorder, it's generally suggested that you consult with a mental health care provider for support. Recognizing early signs of eating disorder symptoms can be suitable for early treatment and recovery of male and female adolescents and adults dealing with an eating disorder. Early intervention can also address other conditions that may affect an individual, such as anxiety, depression, and other related disorders.
Thanks for the feedback!
- Previous Article
- Next Article